Last Updated on January 30, 2026 by Dee
There’s a reason 30-day challenges work: they’re long enough to build a real habit but short enough to feel achievable. And when it comes to watercolor, consistency beats intensity every time.
This mini watercolor sketchbook challenge is designed for busy people who want to improve their skills without spending hours at their easel. Each day, you’ll create a small painting that takes 15-20 minutes. That’s it. Thirty days, thirty mini paintings, one transformed creative practice.
By day 30, you’ll have a beautiful sketchbook filled with progress you can see—and skills that will stick with you for life.
Grab your free 30-Day Challenge Calendar at the end of this post!
🎬 Love video tutorials? Subscribe to my YouTube channel for weekly watercolor tutorials!
What’s Inside
How the Challenge Works
Quick Answer: Paint one mini watercolor (2-4 inches) each day for 30 days. The prompts progress from basic techniques to complete mini paintings, building skills systematically.
- Time commitment: 15-20 minutes per day
- Size: Small paintings, 2-4 inches
- Skill level: Complete beginners welcome
- Goal: Build consistency and visible improvement
Week 1: Foundation Building
The first week focuses on fundamental techniques without the pressure of creating “real” paintings.
- Day 1: Paint a row of circles in one color (brush control)
- Day 2: Create a gradient wash from dark to light
- Day 3: Practice wet-on-wet in a small square
- Day 4: Paint three different types of lines
- Day 5: Make a simple color chart with your paints
- Day 6: Create a flat wash rectangle
- Day 7: Combine circles and lines in an abstract design
I recommend starting with a good watercolor sketchbook that you’ll enjoy filling with your progress.
Week 2: Color Exploration
Now that you have brush control, explore what your colors can do.
- Day 8: Mix and paint 6 different greens
- Day 9: Create a sunset gradient (yellow-orange-pink-purple)
- Day 10: Paint neutrals from complementary colors
- Day 11: Create a monochrome value scale
- Day 12: Paint an abstract using only warm colors
- Day 13: Paint an abstract using only cool colors
- Day 14: Combine warm and cool in one painting
Week 3: Subject Practice
Apply your new skills to simple, forgiving subjects.
- Day 15: Paint a simple apple
- Day 16: Paint a single leaf
- Day 17: Create a loose flower
- Day 18: Paint a mini sunset sky
- Day 19: Paint a coffee cup
- Day 20: Create simple mountain silhouettes
- Day 21: Paint three mini nature studies
Good brushes make a noticeable difference at this stage. My Escoda round brushes have helped me create much more confident strokes.
Week 4: Putting It Together
Quick Answer: The final week combines everything you’ve learned into complete mini paintings. You’re not just practicing techniques anymore—you’re creating art.
- Day 22: Paint a mini landscape with sky and hills
- Day 23: Create a loose floral arrangement
- Day 24: Paint a still life of two objects
- Day 25: Create an abstract inspired by your favorite colors
- Day 26: Paint a mini scene from imagination
- Day 27: Create your own prompt and paint it
- Day 28: Paint something that made you happy today
- Day 29: Revisit your favorite prompt from the challenge
- Day 30: Paint a celebration piece—you did it!
Tips for Success
- Same time daily – Attach it to an existing habit
- Keep supplies ready – Remove friction
- Don’t skip days – Even 5 minutes counts
- Progress not perfection – Every page teaches something
- Share your journey – Accountability helps!
Supplies You’ll Need
Keep it simple—basic supplies work perfectly for this challenge.
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Free Challenge Calendar
Download the printable challenge calendar with all 30 prompts and tracking checkboxes!
Want more? Check out my Payhip shop for premium challenges!
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I miss a day during the challenge?
Don’t stress—just pick up where you left off. The goal is building a habit, not perfection. If you miss a day, do two quick paintings the next day or simply continue forward.
Can complete beginners do this challenge?
Absolutely! The challenge is designed for beginners. Week 1 starts with basic techniques, so no prior experience is needed. You’ll build skills progressively.
How big should the mini paintings be?
Aim for 2-4 inches. Small enough to complete quickly, large enough to show detail. Many artists use a 3×3 inch square as a standard mini size.
Final Thoughts
Thirty days from now, you could have a sketchbook filled with watercolor paintings and skills you didn’t have before. Or you could be in exactly the same place you are now. The only difference is whether you start.
Download the calendar, grab your supplies, and paint Day 1 tomorrow morning. That’s all you have to do—take it one day at a time.
Head over to my YouTube channel for video tutorials!
Tag me on Instagram @artsydee with your challenge progress!
You Might Also Like
- Tiny Watercolor Florals for Sketchbooks
- One-Page Watercolor Sketchbook Ideas
- Simple Watercolor Shapes to Practice Daily
- Mini Watercolor Landscapes for Beginners
- Easy Watercolor Ideas Using Circles and Lines
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